Urhobo Youth Group Advocates Unity, Seeks Reconciliation With James Ibori

The Joint Association of Niger Delta Ethnic Youths (JANDY), Urhobo Nation Chapter, has urged Urhobo people both at home and in the diaspora to embrace unity and reconcile with former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.

This was made known in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the group’s National President, Mr. Mark Ikpuri.
In the statement, the group expressed concern over what it described as the decline of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), noting that the once-revered body is gradually losing its direction and relevance.
It pointed out that recent leadership crises, including the last UPU election, have led to divisions that threaten the unity and development of the Urhobo nation.
“UPU was never meant to be a political battlefield. What we are seeing today is not who we are as Urhobo people,” Mr. Ikpuri said.
The statement further recalled that during Chief Ibori’s tenure as governor, the UPU maintained its structure and dignity without undue interference, contributing to the stability and progress of the Urhobo community.
According to the group, attention was also drawn to the socio-economic challenges facing Urhobo communities despite hosting major oil facilities and pipelines in the Niger Delta.
It added that under Ibori’s administration, communities such as Osubi, Ugolo, Okukoko, Otokutu, Opete, Agbarho, Udu, Oghara, Abraka, and Mosogar witnessed notable development, with increased economic opportunities for residents.
The group called on Urhobo traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders to put aside personal interests and focus on collective development.
It also appealed to Chief Ibori to forgive past grievances and re-engage actively with the Urhobo people.
“We must come together under one solid pillar, and that pillar right now is the Odidigborigbo of the universe. This is about our future,” the statement added.
The group therefore urged Urhobo kings, also known as Ajuvwes, to spearhead reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring the relevance of the UPU and enabling Chief Ibori to guide the Urhobo nation towards sustainable socio-political and economic growth.